High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Upgrades Cities for HRA Benefits
Jammu, January 6, 2025: In a significant move, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued an order upgrading the classification of cities and towns within the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh from the unclassified “Z” category to the “Y” category for the purpose of granting House Rent Allowance (HRA) to judicial officers.
The decision, in compliance with the recommendations of the Second National Judicial Pay Commission, follows directions passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in its order dated January 4, 2024, in WP(C) 643 of 2015 titled All India Judges Association Vs Union of India & Ors.
This upgrade aims to address housing needs and enhance financial benefits for judicial officers in the region. The directive has been sanctioned by Shahzad Azeem, Registrar General of the High Court, as per order number 43 of 2025/RG.
The order has been forwarded to key stakeholders, including the Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice, the Secretary to Hon’ble Judges, and various administrative and judicial offices, ensuring prompt implementation and dissemination of the information.
This decision marks a step forward in aligning judicial allowances with recommendations from the National Judicial Pay Commission, offering enhanced support to judicial officers serving in the region.
